The German federal government’s hydrogen import strategy defines the political and economic framework for importing hydrogen and its derivatives into Germany. The Federal Cabinet of the “Ampel” coalition adopted the strategy on July 24, 2024, to achieve the goals of the National Hydrogen Strategy.
According to forecasts by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), demand for hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives will rise significantly: from 95 to 130 TWh in 2030 to 560 to 700 TWh by 2045, of which approximately 200 TWh will be hydrogen derivatives. Since domestic production cannot meet this demand, it is expected that between 50 and 70 percent will need to be imported as early as 2030—a share that will continue to rise in the years to come.
The strategy focuses on international partnerships with countries that can produce hydrogen cost-effectively due to their natural resources, such as those in North Africa or Australia. At the same time, it addresses the development of the necessary transportation and storage infrastructure through pipeline and maritime transport. International certification standards are also intended to ensure that imported hydrogen is produced in a climate-friendly manner. To support the market ramp-up, the strategy provides for various funding instruments designed to help companies build import capacity.
Summary
The strategy has five key objectives:
- Establishing strategic partnerships with countries that offer favorable production conditions
- Development of the necessary transportation and storage infrastructure for pipeline and maritime transport
- Support for building production capacity in partner countries through technology transfer
- Establishment of international certification standards for sustainably produced hydrogen
- Provision of support mechanisms for building import capacity
